Gowling WLG is pleased to have advised UK-based GuarantCo., part of the Private Infrastructure Development Group (PIDG), on a $40-million CDN repayable contribution from Global Affairs Canada (GAC) in support of sustainable infrastructure credit solutions across Africa and Asia.
According to GuarantCo's press release, the funding from GAC, a Canadian government department, will be used to "finance essential infrastructure, develop local capital markets and help economies grow by mobilising additional capital towards the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) aiming to reduce poverty." The funding also supports PIDG's and GuarantCo's gender-responsive approach to infrastructure investment, as well as Canada's Feminist International Assistance Policy.
"We felt privileged to be entrusted with this important financing," said Lisa MacDonnell, a partner in Gowling WLG's Toronto office who co-led on this file with Alasdair McKenzie, a partner in the firm's UK office. "This was a complex international transaction with many moving parts – both in Canada and the UK – and a highly compressed timeframe of fewer than 30 days. We are delighted to see it come to a successful close."
"Between our firm's offices in Canada and the UK, we were in a fortunate position to offer our client a seamless, and highly coordinated, cross-border service experience," said McKenzie. "On behalf of our firm, we congratulate GuarantCo. and PIDG on this major step forward."
In addition to McKenzie and MacDonnell, Naomi Sander and Angelica Wilamowicz, associates in the firm's London and Toronto offices respectively, also provided assistance on the transaction.
About Gowling WLG
Gowling WLG is an international law firm built on the belief that the best way to serve you is to be in tune with your world, aligned with your opportunity and ambitious for your success. With more than 1,500 legal professionals in 19 offices across Canada, the UK, Europe, the Middle East and Asia, we provide our clients with in-depth knowledge in key global sectors and a suite of legal services at home and abroad. We see the world through our clients' eyes, and collaborate across countries, offices, service areas and sectors to help them succeed, no matter how challenging the circumstances.